October half-term is around the corner, and we’re keeping the energy high, the coffee brewing, and the creative juices flowing at Spark!

We’ve teamed up with the wonderful kiddos at YorKAOS to bring you a week of artistic showcase. In addition, you can join us for hands-on craft workshops, trick-or-treating, and a brand-new sensory initiative. Whether you’re looking to get stuck into some Halloween crafts, show off your artistic talent, or simply enjoy a quiet space, there’s something happening for everyone.

Here is everything you need to know about what’s on this half-term at Spark.

YorKAOS Half-Term Art Competition

Ahead of the main YorKAOS week of events coming up in February (think site-wide workshops, film screenings, and exhibitions!), we’re collaborating with YorKAOS to host an October Half-Term Art Competition.

We want to see what York’s young creatives can do!

Key Details & Schedule

• Competition Opens: Monday, 26th October at 12:00 PM
• Submission Deadline: Friday, 30th October at 3:00 PM
• Announcement of Winners: Friday, 30th October at 5:30 PM in SHOW
• Public Viewing: Submissions will remain on display throughout the weekend so you can admire the local talent (exact weekend opening hours TBC).
• Artwork Collection: Tuesday, 3rd November

Competition Categories & Prizes

Whatever your medium of choice, there’s a category for you:

• 🎃 Halloween-themed Art (any medium)
• ✏️ Drawing (any theme or style)
• 🎨 Mixed Media (e.g., collage)
• 📸 Photography (printed photo submitted at Spark, size A4 or smaller)

All submissions must be A4 size or smaller.

Prizes: The winner of each category will win fantastic experience vouchers to top local York attractions! Judging will take place on Friday afternoon from 3:00 PM by the YorKAOS committee.

Guidelines, Materials & Entry Fees

• Entry Fee: £3 per piece (maximum limit of 2 entries per child).
• Giving Back: 100% of entry fees go directly to YorKAOS’s chosen charity, Door84.
• Materials Provided: Spark will provide white A4 paper and basic colouring supplies throughout the week. Just pop into the site office to ask!
• Personal Supplies: Feel free to bring your own materials from home (collages, watercolours, paints, etc.), provided the final piece is submitted on white A4 paper.

Monday Crafting Extra: Open All Day!

We’re open on Monday, and we’re kicking off half-term with two special craft sessions:

• Kids Craft Club with Emma Dale (Ages 8+) | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM A hands-on session where kids can get creative and design their very own custom bag charm and tote bag to take home. More info here.
• Spooky Charm Jewellery Workshop with Emma Dale (Ages 13+) | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM A late-afternoon/evening session for teens and older to design custom Halloween-themed charm jewellery. More info here.

Trialling Our Sensory Space for Kids

Tuesday – Thursday | 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM in SHOW

Spark is for everyone, and we want to ensure our site feels welcoming and comfortable for all families. This half-term, we are trialling a dedicated sensory space for children in our SHOW unit.

It’s designed as a gentle, calming environment where kids can take a break from the busyness of the site. Because this is something we’d love to roll out more regularly, we would really value your feedback! Pop in, test out the space, and let us know what you think.

Trick-or-Treating at Spark! Or shall we say: Trader Treating?

Saturday | All Day Until Close

Halloween isn’t complete without some treats! Bring your little monsters down in their best costumes on Saturday for site-wide trick-or-treating. Follow the sweet trail until closing time.

Join Us This October!

Whether you’re submitting artwork, grabbing a bite from our street food traders, or trying out our new sensory space, we can’t wait to welcome you!

Got questions about the art competition or workshops? Pop into the site office or drop us a message! See you soon .